Uganda

Uganda

area:	235,880sq km (91,073sq mi)
population:	23,453,300
capital (population):	Kampala (953,400)
government:	Republic
ethnic groups:	Ganda 18%, Banyoro 14%, Teso 9%, Banyan 8%, Basoga 8%, Bagisu 7%, Bachiga 7%, Lango 6%, Acholi 5%
languages:	English and Swahili (both official)
religions:	Christianity (Roman Catholic 40%, Protestant 29%), traditional beliefs 18%, Islam 7%
currency:	Uganda shilling = 100 cents

Landlocked republic in e Africa. Uganda is a landlocked republic in East Africa. Most of the country consists of part of the African plateau, which slopes down from c.1500m (4921ft) in the s to 900m (2953ft) in the n. In the w lies an arm of the Great Rift Valley, which contains Lake Albert and the Albert Nile. Highland pockets lie in the sw and e. Much of s Uganda is made up of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. The capital, Kampala, and Entebbe lie on the lakeside.

Climate and Vegetation

Uganda's equatorial climate is moderated by altitude. The wettest regions are the w mountains, especially the high Ruwenzori range. Nearly 20% of Uganda is covered by lakes or swamps. Some rainforest remains in the s. Wooded savanna covers central and n Uganda.

History and Politics

In c.1500, the Nilotic-speaking Lwo people formed various kingdoms in sw Uganda, including Buganda (kingdom of the Ganda) and Bunyoro. During the 18th century, the Buganda kingdom expanded and trade flourished. In 1862, a British explorer, John Speke, became the first European to reach Buganda. He was closely followed (1875) by Sir Henry Stanley. The conversion activities of Christian missionaries led to conflict with Muslims. The Kabaka (King) came to depend on Christian support. In 1892, Britain dispatched troops to Buganda, and in 1894 Uganda became a British Protectorate. Unlike much of Africa, Uganda attracted Asian, rather than European, settlers. African political representation remained minimal until after World War 2.

In 1962, Uganda gained independence, with Buganda's Kabaka, Mutesa II, as president and Milton Obote as prime minister. In 1966, Mutesa II was forced into exile. In 1967, Buganda's traditional autonomy was restricted, and Obote became executive president. In 1971, Obote was deposed in a military coup led by Major General Idi Amin. Amin quickly established a personal dictatorship, and launched a war against foreign interference that resulted in the mass expulsion of Asians. Amin's regime was responsible for the murder of more than 250,000 Ugandans. Obote loyalists resisted the regime from neighbouring Tanzania. In 1976, Amin declared himself president for life, and Israel launched a successful raid on Entebbe Airport to end the hijack of one of its passenger planes. In 1978, Uganda annexed the Kagera region of nw Tanzania.

In 1979, Tanzanian troops helped the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF) to overthrow Amin and capture Kampala. Obote swept back into office in 1980 elections. Amid charges of electoral fraud, the National Resistance Army (NRA) began a guerrilla war. More than 200,000 Ugandans sought refuge in Rwanda and Zaïre. In 1985, Obote was deposed in a further military coup. In 1986, the NRA captured Kampala, and Yoweri Museveni became president. Museveni began to rebuild the domestic economy and improve foreign relations. In 1993, the Kabaka of Buganda returned as monarch. Museveni won Uganda's first direct presidential elections in 1996, and he was re-elected in 2001. Ugandan troops helped depose President Mobutu of Zaïre and then became embroiled in the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has the highest number of reported AIDS cases in Africa.

Economy

Civil strife devastated Uganda's economy (2000 GDP per capita, US$1100). In 2001 it was a founder member of the East African Community (EAC). Agriculture employs 86% of the workforce. Uganda is the world's seventh-largest producer of coffee, accounting for 90% of exports. Cotton, sugarcane, and tea are also exported.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.government.go.ug; http://www.myuganda.co.ug